Medford/Somerville,
Mass. [05-21-06] William S. Cummings, born in Somerville, raised in Medford, educated at Tufts, your local roots run deep. A natural entrepreneur even as an undergraduate, you would go on to found Cummings Properties, one of the most successful real estate firms in the northeast. Whether providing incubator space for small businesses, affordable and compassionate care for the elderly, or promoting civic discourse through investments in community newspapers, you have always sought to strengthen the communities in which you live. Together with your beloved wife Joyce, you have created one of the great philanthropic foundations in the Commonwealth. With ‘giving back’ as an inviolate personal and corporate principle, you inspire and energize individuals, organizations and municipalities through your gracious philanthropy. Without fanfare, you have supported scholarships and funded community resources that have changed countless lives. You have said many times that people should “Give until it feels good.” As an alumnus, trustee, overseer and benefactor at Tufts University, your counsel and support are etched permanently in this institution’s history. Bill Cummings, the Tufts community is deeply honored to share your family name in its educational mission, and we will steward it with care. We are delighted now to recognize you with the degree of Doctor of Public Service, honoris causa.